B5 English Language · Term 1 Week 12: Word Families: Minimal Pairs and Common Digraphs

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B5.2.3.1.1 - Use common minimal pairs to decode words. e.g. - sash, wash

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define minimal pairs and identify the single sound difference in word pairs such as sash and wash, watch and catch.
Pronounce at least six common minimal pairs correctly, with particular attention to the /s/ and /w/, /t/ and /k/ initial and final sounds.
Decode unfamiliar words by applying the minimal pair strategy, using the known word to read the unknown one.
Identify minimal pairs from a short reading passage and group them according to their spelling patterns.
Write simple sentences that correctly use at least three minimal pairs from the lesson.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Reading (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Word Families: Minimal Pairs and Common Digraphs (2.3)
Content standard: B5.2.3.1 - Identify minimal pairs and common digraphs
Indicator: B5.2.3.1.1 - Use common minimal pairs to decode words. e.g. - sash, wash
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 12 (Week 12 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: English Language Curriculum (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 93
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Give examples of minimal pairs, e.g. watch, catch
- In groups let learners come up with more examples
- Select two paragraphs from the reading passage and let learners identify specific spelling patterns
e.g. sh- fish, dish, sash, wash th - both, tooth
- Drill learners on pronunciation of words.
- Learners read the words containing minimal pairs, e.g. church, search, perch, fetch.
- Work together with learners to write simple sentences with the minimal pairs.
- Learners in pairs identify more words from reading passages and make a list on a chart. Let each pair read the words.